Uncategorized « Straight Talk on Managing Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder Depression Distortion

This article originally appeared in Bp Magazine……

It takes a lot longer to worry about getting things done than it does to actually finish a project. Sounds easy, right? Not when you have depression.

Depression makes me squirm and put things off and worry that I’m not getting things done. It distorts reality to the point that I put off even the most basic projects because they feel so overwhelming. This is because depression affects our ability to see a project realistically in terms of time, which is why we waste so much time not getting things done. I can spend hours, days, and even weeks ruminating about deadlines, To Do lists, and missed opportunities. Projects that may take just a few hours to complete can turn [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis

Julie A. Fast talks #bipolar disorder and psychosis. She explains her symptoms, the difference between bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder and offers encouragement for people who have hallucinations and delusions.

Click here to watch Julie’s video.

Ask Julie Fast: Julie, What do you think about changes in personal hygiene and skin rubbing and skin picking( disliking taking a shower , etc). when someone is in an episode?

I pick off my nail polish when anxiety is around! Julie

Depression Doesn’t Care: How I Manage My Bipolar Depression

When I’m depressed, I use the strategies in my books as though someone else wrote the books. It’s not as though I’ve become super human in managing this illness. (I wish.) Instead, my bipolar depression is around on a regular basis and I have to find a way to live with it if I want to find happiness in this life.

Depression couldn’t care less about the reality of your life. You may have loving friends, a loving family, a great partner, kids you adore, a job you find fascinating and all of the money in the world – and yet depression will still make you feel that you have nothing.

Depression will tell you that your life is worth nothing and then it will make you act as if you have [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Cannabis Workshop with Julie A. Fast

Next Workshop: Sunday, October 22, 2017

There are four spaces available at this time.

BIPOLAR DISORDER and CANNABIS WORKSHOP

A Educational Workshop with Bipolar Disorder Expert Julie A. Fast

This dynamic and timely workshop teaches: 1.) How THC and CBD can affect bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder 2) How to calmly and rationally talk with a person about cannabis use. 3) A harm reduction communication plan you can start today for life long results. Relationships can be saved.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

4:00-6:00 PM PST. (Please note the time zone carefully)

This class is on the phone and includes homework that Julie evaluates before the call to help you find the best treatment route for a loved one, a workbook filled with invaluable information including worksheets [ Read More ]

BIPOLAR DISORDER MANIA 101: Do you know the difference between dysphoric and euphoric mania?

Julie’s cart during a manic shopping spree. She put ALL of it back when she realized she was manic. ARG!

MANIA 101: Here’s the basic info about bipolar disorder mania.

Let’s start at the beginning. There are two levels of mania: hypomania and full blown mania.

People with bipolar disorder II (two) have hypomania only. People with bipolar disorder I (one) have hyomania and the very dangerous and very life disrupting full blown mania. I have bipolar disorder two, but I’m one of the unfortunates- My type of hypomania is right on the verge of full blown mania. If I ever do move into full blown mania, I will then have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder one. Fingers crossed that never happens!

[ Read More ]